Newly disabled
How do you deal? How do you deal with the isolation? I don’t want anyone to see me like this, I relied on my looks for emotional fulfillment. I have no emotional support at
home. My dad left the moment I was diagnosed. My mom is a snappy, mean woman. I have a paralyzed foot, I cannot walk well, I can’t go farther than outside my house. I used to be a very active person. The anxiety and depression are beyond belief.
@alexellman
Welcome to 7 Cups!
A new diagnosis is often a very difficult emotional change to deal with.
I'm sorry to hear your parents aren't supportive, that makes a hard situation even worse.
I would encourage anyone to find emotional fulfillment from multiple things but people can be attractive with disabilities. It can be an adjustment before seeing yourself that way again.
Therapy and mobility aids may allow you to be active with a paralyzed foot although again that takes adjusting. Access the professional help that you can for that. Also what about something like swimming or yoga or pilates with some modifications?
I suggest seeking out support groups, online and in person. Try to get out, safely.. Unfortunately people do tend to look at someone with a visible disability as someone who doesn't match what they are used to. If you have an area you tend to be though that will likely be reduced with time.
A new disability does involve grief a lot of the time, and that is normal. Therapy can help you adjust and you can find a new normal. Be kind to yourself, try to do some things that don't involve mobility. Hopefully things will appear brighter with a bit of time. You will probably experience a lot of emotions with new challenges. We are here when you want to connect.
It would help if you could get by the disability, ie, go out and do what is possible to do, but do it in small steps .. try to do the first smallest thing, and the next time do it again, and the next day or the next time do something different. Also, find things to occupy yourself like games, puzzles etc on your phone ( easy brain puzzle for example ) , or projects you can work on, just keep yourself busy if possible to keep your mind off of the problem. Your situation may be more unique in some ways and you will have to find ways to deal with it, and resources that can help you, like health care resources. Hope that helps , all the best 🙏🙂
Who’s to say you still don’t look good . Even if you can’t walk well I’m sure you still look amazing. The right people will not judge you for this. But I can understand how you are feeling. I’m newly disabled and limp sometimes . On a bad day I feel insecure about it . On a good day I just try to tell myself people are looking because I must look so beautiful lol .
i hope eventually you find your new way of being active even with your disability . I’m also very sorry about your parents. Maybe try to find a disability support group in your area. I’m sure they can offer support .
